Council of War Fairfax Court House

"Preserving the Past. Protecting the Future." the Protecting Past. the "Preserving

Volume 8, Issue 2 Fall 2011

Council of War Historic Fairfax City, Inc. at "Fare Fac - Say Do" Fairfax Court House by William Page Johnson, II Executive Officers “Success here at this time saves everything; defeat here loses all.” David L. Pumphrey President 1 Sandra S. Wilbur Vice-Pres. -Major-General Gustavus W. Smith. Fairfax C.H., October 1, 1861. Albert L. Leightley Treasurer Betsy K. Rutkowski Secretary Until now, the location and owner of the home depicted in the Ann F. Adams Director famous Civil War photograph below has remained somewhat a

Hildie A. Carney Director Fairfax, VA 22030 VA Fairfax, mystery. The Library of Congress has simply has identified the photo

Patricia A. Fabio Director

as “Fairfax Court House, Va. House used as a headquarters by 10209 Main Street Main 10209 Mary D. Gauthier Director

D. Lee Hubbard Director Gen. G.B. McClellan and Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard.”2 After 150

David L. Pumphrey, President Pumphrey, L. David Hon. Wm. Page Johnson, II Director years this mystery is now solved. The following is the story of a pivotal event of

Claudia J. Lewis Director Return Address - Historic Fairfax City, Inc. City, Fairfax Historic - Address Return Jenée L. Lindner Director the Civil War that occurred in this home in the autumn of 1861. Deborah E. Mullan Director Michael A. Pappas Director Hon. John E. Petersen Director Hon. Penny A. Rood Director Hon. John H. Rust, Jr. Director Dolores B. Testerman Director Edward C. Trexler, Jr. Director Vacant Director The Newsletter of Historic Fairfax City, Inc.

1861-1865 2011-2015

By the late summer of 1861 nearly everything had gone in favor of the fledgling Confederacy. The invading Federal army had been soundly defeated in battles at Big Bethel and Manassas, Virginia. Following the battle at Manassas the Federal army, had withdrawn to the safety of the Potomac. Anticipating a Confederate assault on Washington, D.C., Union Gen. Dunleith, the home of Thomas R. Love at Fairfax Court House, built c. 1842 George B. McClellan had begun the Used as a HQ by Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard (1861) & Gen. George B. McClellan (1862) E-mail: [email protected] organization of the massive number Photograph attributed to Timothy H. O'Sullivan 1863, courtesy The Library of Congress Website: www.historicfairfax.org Continued on Page 3 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011

Fairfax, Virginia, November 2011- At The Museum... Historic House candlelight Tours Greetings from the President-- December 3rd - 6th 7 pm (after the tree lighting in Pozer Garden). We had an extremely successful fundraising with Ratcliffe-Allison House - 10386 Main Street. this year’s Taste of the Vine on October 14th. The wines Tour the oldest house in town and learn about holiday of Lost Creek Winery were excellent, the food pairings by customs of the past. Café Villa Mozart were delicious and the music of Christian Perez was delightful. The Silent Auction for nearly 20 items Christmas in Camp was very competitive and added significantly to the funds December 4th - 12th 4 pm that were raised. We raised over $7,500 at this event. Historic Blenheim and the Civil war Intrepretive Congratulations to Betsy Rutkowski and her committee Center - 3610 Old Lee Highway for all of their hard work in organizing this event. Interactive living history with Co. D, 17th Virginia Infantry, Fairfax Rifles While the Taste of the Vine has become HFCI’s Talks with Extra Billy Smith and The Common Soldier major fundraiser it is not the only one. We are again selling House Tour 1 pm White House Christmas Ornaments this year. They are on Music with OLLI Recorder Consort sale at the Museum and at the Blenheim Interpretive Center. We will also have a booth at the upcoming Holiday Craft Show at Fairfax High School. These ornaments look great The Banjo in the Civil War on your tree and they make great holiday gifts so please December 11th 2 pm stop by and pick some up. Fairfax Museum & Visitors Center - 10209 Main St. Performance & talk by Greg Adams, Historian & This year we were able to use money we have Musicologist raised to partner with the City to stabilize “Granma’s Cottage” at the Blenheim site. We are looking at additional Liberty Middle School Strings Group investments at Blenheim as well as worthwhile projects in December 17th 2 pm the Historic downtown. We are also assisting the Historic Fairfax Museum & Visitors Center - 10209 Main St. Resources Department in the cataloguing of the acquisitions Enjoy holiday music while shopping for unique holiday at the Museum. Our fundraising activities support all of gifts these efforts.

It is almost time for membership renewal and I hope that all of you will continue your memberships and encourage others to join and support our efforts to maintain the City’s historic resources. You can follow our activities at www.historicfairfax.org. Welcome New Members!

Thank you for your continuing support. Sandra L. Abold Karen C. Murphy Webster & Frances Brown Scott Patton Antonio "Tony" A. Chaves Sarah Pease David L. Pumphrey Barbara J. Huyett

The President & Board of Directors of HFCI extends a hearty welcome to all new HFCI members.

2 15 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011

troops arriving there. He had reason to be concerned. at their headquarters in the village, and from Confederate Generals Joseph E. Johnston and P.G.T. which had floated the banner, amid the rolling Beauregard were anxious to go on the offensive after their of the drums and the shouts of our citizens. Col. victory at Manassas, but Johnston, in particular, felt they Terry was accorded the privilege and honor of lacked the men, material and logistics to do so. Additionally, driving the first nail into our flag which affixed while Gen. McClellan enjoyed the full support of President it upon the pole they had raised, Senator Thomas Abraham Lincoln who had given him a free hand to organize the second honor, and Messrs. Chichester and the army as he saw fit, Johnston clashed with a meddling Griunell [Gunnell] the next.”5 Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Johnston also faced Col. Terry gave the captured flag to General Longstreet a fractured command structure that was rife with competing who presented it to Gen. Beauregard as a gift.6 personalities. Three indecisive weeks later, on August 8th & 9th 1861, While Johnston was technically the overall commander the Confederate forces of Generals Joseph E. Johnston and of the Confederate Army of the Potomac at Manassas, he P.G.T. Beauregard reoccupied Fairfax Court House, and was also in direct command of half of the army with Gen. other locations in Fairfax County in a line that extended from Beauregard in direct command of the other half. Johnston Springfield to the Little Falls of the Potomac River. In early and Beauregard also squabbled over rank and tactics. September General Johnston moved his Headquarters from President Davis attempted to fix this by creating additional the Bloom Farm, now the Conner House, Manassas Park,7 command positions in the late summer of 1861. One of these to Coombe Cottage [see Fare Facs Gazette v. 8, n. 1] at was Gen. Gustavus W. Smith who would command the Fairfax Court House. Second Corps. It would be several months, however, before the Confederate command structure coalesced and the Army “Gen. Johnston’s quarters are now situated in a of Northern Virginia was created and even longer until commodious building, at Fairfax Court-House, command of that army was given to Gen. Robert E. Lee. formerly used as a Female Seminary. The house is surrounded by beautiful grounds, filled with On July 22, 1861, the day after the battle of Manassas, fine trees and tastefully-arranged shrubbery, Col. Benjamin F. Terry3 along Captain Thomas Whitehead’s which, even at this late season, are covered with Cavalry,4 re-entered Fairfax Court House, cautiously pursuing dense foliage.”8 the retreating Union army and picking up stragglers. His arrival was cheered by the people in the village: On September 12th, General Beauregard, too, moved his headquarters from Liberia, Manassas, Prince William “Once more we are free. Sans Deo, after a reign County, to Dunleith, the home of Thomas R. Love, at Fairfax of terror for five days since the enemy entered, Court House.9,10,11,12,13 we, the citizens of this place, have been under a surveillance which we could scarcely brook; but, “A correspondent at Fairfax writes that Gen. thanks to Almighty God, we are once more free. Beauregard has advanced to that place, and made his headquarters at the residence of T.R. Col. Terry, the gallant Texan, this morning, with Love, Esq.”14 a detachment of Captain Whitehead’s Rangers from Amherst, entered our village. Soon he, with “Gen. Beauregard, commanding the First Corps his own unerring rifle, shot away the Stars and of the Army of the Potomac, has his headquarters Stripes, (which the Lincolnites had placed upon the cupola of the Court-House,) once the emblem of freedom, but now a standard under which men are fighting who do not recollect, if ever they knew, the associations connected with it, and have by their acts converted it into the ensign of dishonor and degradation. The gallant Colonel soon found the Stars and Bars which the gallant South Carolinians had given to a little boy of the village, and it was raised upon the flag-staff which they had erected Alexandria Gazette, April 27, 1835, p. 3. 14 3 Continued next page Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011

Richmond in 1862. He resigned his commission in 1863 and served as a vol. aide to Gen. All the sick have been moved away from Fairfax Layton Hall was intentionally burned in the fall of 1963 Beauregard. He was Sup. of the Etowah Iron Works from 1863 to 1864. Comm. a Maj. Gen. of the GA State Militia from 1864-1865. Court House, and the buildings cleaned and put as a training exercise for the Fairfax Volunteer Fire 26 Col. Thomas Lewis Preston (1812–1903). Was the son of Francis Preston and Sarah in order, it is supposed for the wounded in the Department.70 Buchanan Campbell of Abingdon, VA. He was the brother of Col. John Smith Preston. He graduated UVA in 1833 with a degree in law. He settled in Smyth Co., VA where he operated event of a battle. There is one church here, which, As a child growing up in Fairfax, the immense Layton the family “Salt Works”. He served as a Del. In the VA Legis. in the 1840s from Smyth Co. when I passed it a few days ago, had the pews He served on the board of Emory & Henry Univ. and VMI. During war he was commissioned Hall or Dunleith estate of over one hundred acres was a as a Capt. And served as assistant adj. on Gen. J.E. Johnston’s staff. His commission was all out in the yard and the floor covered with revoked by the War Dept. He declined a new commission as Maj. He moved to Albemarle Co., wonderful wooded area in which to roam. An ancient VA in 1863. Served as Rector of the UVA Board of Visitors from 1864- 1865. mattresses full of the sick. They are scrubbing towering White Pine once stood in these woods near 3949 27 Col. Horace Randal (1833–1864). He was the brother-in-law of Con. Maj. Gen. Gustavus out to-day and the pews are replaced as if for W. Smith. He was an 1854 graduate of West Point. He resigned his Comm. in 1861 and joined University Drive. This tree was approximately two hundred the Confederacy where he was Comm. worship. Families are moving back to their years old, with a base circumference of at least eight feet. 28 Camille Armand Jules Marie, Prince de Polignac (1832–1913) was a French Nobleman homes, but they look empty and desolate. The and soldier. He later became a Maj. Gen. in the Confederate Army. It flanked the old driveway on the east leading to Dunleith 29 Captain Samuel W. Ferguson (1834–1917). Was a native of South Carolina and a West mark of the destroyer is everywhere. What until it was cut down in 1979 to make way for a new office Point graduate Class of 1857. Later became a Brig. Gen. in the Confederate Army. furniture they are able to gather is so badly 30 Lt. John Lane (1837–1914) Resigned from West Point to join the Confederate Army. Later building. It was a popular teenage hang-out spot. became a Col. in the Confederate Army. He was the son of Gen. Joseph Lane (1801–1881), abused it is unfit for use and it is impossible to Mexican War; the Territorial Governor of Oregon (1848-1851); Congressional Delegate of (Endnotes) Oregon Territory (1851-1859); U.S. Senator from Oregon (1859-1861); Democratic candidate procure more. Every house is a bording house for Vice President in 1860 with John C. Breckinridge. and all are filled. Those who can get a 1 Statement of Major-General Gustavus W. Smith, dated January 31, 1862 on recollections 31 Richmond Times Dispatch, October 4, 1861. of Council of War at held Fairfax C.H., October 1, 1861. Signed by G.W. Smith, and attested 32 Richmond Times Dispatch, October 4, 1861. comfortable bed on the floor are fortunate. to by G.T. Beauregard and J.E. Johnston. Official Records of the War of the Rebln., v. 5, p. 884. 33 Ibid 1. Indeed, many deem themselves so who get a spot 2 Fairfax Court House, Va. House used as a headquarters by Gen. G. B. McClellan and 34 Ibid 1. Gen. P. G. T. Beauregard, Photograph from the main eastern theater of war, Confederate 35 Ibid 1. Alexandria Gazette, December 7, 1847, p. 3 large enough to lie upon and a blanket to cover winter quarters, 1861-1862, c. June 1863, Call # LC-B817- 7142, Library of Congress 36 New York Times, December 3, 1861 [from an earlier edition of the New Orleans Picayune]. Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C. 37 Charleston Courier, October 10, 1861, p. 1, c. 4. with. This is a large city now in all but houses. 3 Benjamin Franklin Terry (1821- 1861) was born in Russellville, KY. At a young age his 38 Albany Evening Journal, October 5, 1861, p. 2. in the house formerly occupied by Mr. Lowe People live out of doors and glad of the shelter parents moved to TX. He married Mary Bingham in 1841. They settled in Fort Bend County, 39 Philadelphia Inquirer, October 8, 1861, p. 1, c. 1. 17 TX where Terry became a successful planter. He was a Del. to the 1861 TX Secession 40 Northern Virginia’s Own: The 17th Virginia Infantry Regiment, C.S.A., Glasgow, William [Love] just on the outskirts of the village of of a tent.” Convention. He served as a volunteer aide to Gen. Longstreet at Manassas. He raised a M., Jr., ©1989, Gobill Press, Alexandria, VA. Fairfax Court-House. Your readers will be glad cavalry regt. and was designated its Col. He was KIA Woodsonville, KY (Rowlett’s Station) 41 This is a probable reference to older sister Julia M. Jackson (1822–1902), wife of Henry General Beauregard was also anxious to follow up the on December 17, 1861 while leading the Rangers in their first battle. Terry’s body was held Wirt Thomas (1812–1890). to know that Gen. Beauregard’s health is much in state in Nashville and New Orleans before being returned to Houston. Terry county, TX 42 Charleston Courier, October 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 3. victory at Manassas and quickly end the war. From Dunleith, is named in his honor. He is bur. in the Glenwood cemetery, Houston, TX. 43 Nashville Union and American, October 20, 1861, p. 2, c. 3. improved since he left his quarters at Wier’s 4 Captain Thomas Whitehead’s Cavalry was later designated Co. “ E,” 2nd Va. Cav. 44 Nashville Union and American, October 22, 1861, p. 2, c. 3. house,[Liberia] near Camp Pickens.”15 5 Richmond Times Dispatch, July 25, 1861. 45 Ibid 1. 6 The Military Operations of General Beauregard in the War Between the States 1861to1865, 46 Genealogical information on Thomas Ronse Love family provided in personal Prominent Fairfax citizen, Thomas R. Love, voluntarily v. I. p. 467, Roman, Alfred, © 1884, Harper & Brothers, NY. communication from his Great-great-great granddaughter, Mary Moss Walker, Dec. 1, 2011. 7 Personal communication of James Burgess, Museum Specialist, Manassas National 47 George Washington Hunter, Jr. (1809–1862). Was the son of George W. & Angelina made his substantial brick home, Dunleith, available for the Battlefield Park, December 2, 2011. French (Moore) Hunter, of Ayrhill, Vienna, Fairfax Co., VA; attended college in Emmitsburg, 8 16 Richmond Times Dispatch, Oct. 23, 1861, [From a earlier edtn. of the New Orleans Delta]. Md; m. Mary Angeline Conrad (1819 - ????), dau. of Col. David Conrad of Waterford, Loudoun use of General Beauregard in September and October 1861. 9 The Military Operations of General Beauregard in the War Between the States 1861to1865, Co., VA, 02/09/1835. GWH was an attorney. With his brother, John Broadwater Hunter, he The home was located on a small knoll just north of Fairfax v. I. p. 131 - 136, Roman, Alfred, © 1884, Harper & Brothers, NY. operated Hunter’s Mill just prior to the Civil War. Hunter Mill Road in Fairfax Co. takes its 10 Richmond Times Dispatch, September 23, 1861. name from these individuals. Court House. The former location of Dunleith is 11 Letter from Lydia Janney Love to Jeanne Johnson Rust, August 30, 1959, copy, Coombe 48 Fairfax County Land Tax Books, George W. Hunter, Jr., 1842 & 1843, Ffx. Co. Cir. Ct. Clk. approximately at 10390 Willard Way in Courthouse Plaza Cottage file, Virginia Room, Fairfax City Regional Library. 49 Fairfax County Deed Book Y-3, p. 188, Dec. 30, 1856, Hunter to Love, Ffx. Co. Cir. Ct. Clk. 12 The Photographic History of the Civil War, v. 4, p. 209, Miller, Francis T., © 1911, Patriot 50 Letter from Lydia Janney Love to Jeanne Johnson Rust, August 30, 1959, copy, Shopping Center where the CVS/Pharmacy now stands [see Publishing Co., Springfield, MA. Coombe Cottage file, Virginia Room, Fairfax City Regional Library. maps pg. 10 & 14]. 13 Personal communication of Mary Moss Walker, Great-great-great-granddaughter of 51 Fairfax County Land Tax Books, Thomas R. Love, 1861, 1865 & 1866, Ffx. Co. Cir. Ct. Clk. Thomas R. Love and Anna Moss, July 9, 2011. 52 William Extra Billy Smith (1797– 887). Was a lawyer, Mbr. of Congress, Gov. of Virginia, 14 Richmond Times Dispatch, September 23, 1861. twice, a mbr. of the C.S. Sen. in 1861 resigned in 1862 to become Col. the 49th Va. Inf. Fairfax Court House was now an armed camp filled 15 Richmond Times Dispatch, Oct. 23, 1861, [From a earlier edtn. of the New Orleans Delta]. 53 Journal of the Congress of the Confederate States of America, 1861-1865, March, 8, 1862, with thousands of Confederate soldiers. A correspondent 16 Charleston Courier, October 7, 1861, p. 1, c. 5. v. 5, p. 71, © 1905, Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 17 Charleston Courier, October 7, 1861, p. 1, c. 5. 54 Memorial of Thomas R. Love by Senator W.H. Smith, March 2, 1862, (#158), Memorials & for the Charleston Courier described Fairfax in October: 18 Col. John Smith Preston (1809–1881). Was a native of Abingdon, VA. He graduated from Petitions to the Confederate Congress 1861-65, Record Group 109, Entry 175, National Hampden-Sydney College in 1824 and studied law at the University of Virginia and Harvard. Archives & Records Administration, Washington, DC. “This place is always swarming with soldiers, After marrying the daughter of a wealthy SC planter he moved to Columbia, SC where he est. 55 National Republican, August 13, 1862, p. 2, c. 6. a law practice. He was a member of the South Carolina Senate from 1848 to 1856 and a South 56 Alexandria Gazette, March 10, 1863, p. 3. but to-day the crowd seems greater than usual. Carolina Delegate to the Democratic Convention of 1860. During the war he was a volunteer 57 Alexandria Gazette, August 23, 1862, p. 3. With them and the wagons, with which the streets aid to Gen. Beauregard until he accepted a position as head of the Confederate Bureau of 58 Charleston Mercury, July 23, 1861, p. 3, c. 4. Conscription. He was eventually promoted to Brig. Gen. in the Confederate Army. He was 59 Charleston Mercury, October 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 5. are filled, it is difficult to navigate. Some the brother in law of Confederate Cavalry Gen. Wade Hampton, of South Carolina. 60 Brothers and Cousins: Confederate Soldiers and Sailors of Fairfax County, Virginia, © 19 Charleston Courier, October 5, 1861, p. 1, c. 3. 1995, Johnson, II, William P., Iberian Publishing Compant, Athens, GA. regiments are passing through, going out on duty 20 Two Years With Jeb Stuart, p. 50, W.W. Blackford, © 1945, Scribner’s Pub., NY, NY. 61 Alexandria Gazette, December 15, 1866, p. 2. Obit. Anna R. Love d. December 10th, 1866. to relieve others who are returning weary to their 21 Editor note: The Richmond Times Dispatch of October 4, 1861, states that Washington 62 Letter from Lydia Janney Love to Jeanne Johnson Rust, August 30, 1959, copy, Coombe Artillery Band played for President Davis. Cottage file, Virginia Room, Fairfax City Regional Library. camps for rest; yet all ready to send up exultant 22 Memphis Daily Appeal, October 12, 1861, p. 2, c. 4. 63 Denver Rocky Mountain News, January 9, 1895, p. 4, c. 5. shouts as they pass each other. All hearts are 23 Charleston Courier, October 23, 1861, p. 1, c. 3. 64 Fairfax County Deed Book K-4, [. 381, November 24, 1869, Fairfax Co. Cir. Ct. Clk. 24 The Papers of Jefferson Davis, v. 7, 1861, Letter to Varina Howell Davis, p. 352, © 1992, 65 Washington Post, December 13, 1894, p. 5. buoyant and happy to-day. Men look upon the Crist, Lynda L. & Dix, Mary S., editors, Rice University, L.S.U. Press, Baton Rouge, LA. 66 Denver Rocky Mountain News, January 9, 1895, p. 4, c. 5. presence of our honored Chief Magistrate among 25 Gen. Gustavus Woodson Smith (1823–1896). Was a native of KY. He was a West Point 67 Fairfax County Deed Book I-5, p. 564, May 5, 1890, Fairfax Co. Cir Ct. Clk. Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) graduate Class of 1842 and a veteran of the Mexican War. He resigned his commission in 68 Fairfax County Deed Book C-6, p. 302, January 7, 1899, Fairfax Co. Cir. Ct. Clk. us as a guarantee that the hour is close at hand 1854 and moved to NYC where he was employed as a Civil Engr. He served as Streets 69 Fairfax County Deed Book C-6, p. 303, March 7, 1899, Fairfax Co. Cir. Ct. Clk. President of the Confederate States of America 1861-1865. Commissioner of NYC from 1858-1861. He was commissioned on the recommendation of 70 Fairfax City Times, November 7, 1963, p. 1. when they will be permitted to strike a blow for… By Matthew B. Brady, c. 1860, courtesy The Library of Congress Confederate Pres. Jeff. Davis a Maj. Gen. in Sept. 1861. He commanded the defense of the land they love…. Continued next page 4 13 Continued next page Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011

Another possible explanation for the destruction of containing 100 acres more or less…for the use on the Virginia Central Railroad to Gordonsville and from Dunleith is the phenomenon of souvenir seeking. Both Union of the said Sallie B., until the solemnization of there on the Orange & Alexandria Railroad to Manassas and Confederate soldiers, of all ranks, infamously sought the said intended in marriage and after that event and Fairfax Station, arriving there late that same afternoon.19 souvenirs to send home to their loved ones as relics of their for the sole and separate use of the said Sallie The President was met at the station by Generals Johnston, wartime experiences. The most famous example of a house B. Tyler free from the debts engagements or Beauregard, Smith and their staffs. The Adams Troop, a being nearly completely dismantled for this purpose is the control of the said Thomas R. Love for and company of splendidly mounted cavalry from Natchez, Wilmer McLean Surrender House in Appomattox, Virginia. during the term of her natural life.”64 Mississippi, President Davis’ home state, acted as his escort In addition, The Henry House on the battlefield at Manassas Another interesting marriage occurred at Dunleith in and body guard. suffered the same fate. One soldier recalls seeing it shortly 1894. Virginia Stuart Mosby, daughter of Col. John Singleton after the battle: The Adams Troop was led by Capt., later Major Gen., Mosby was married to Watson E. Coleman at Dunleith on William Thompson Martin. This company was comprised “It is completely riddled with cannon and musket December 12, 1894.65,66 primarily of wealthy planters, lawyers and college graduates balls, and the ridiculous custom of gathering As of this writing it is unclear what became of Dunleith from Adams County, Mississippi. In addition to procuring relics is fast stripping it of laths, after it was sold by the Love family. their own uniforms, horses and arms, they paid for their own weatherboarding, &c., and I should suppose one passage to Northern Virginia, arriving there by steam boat summer’s usual tide of travel would suffice to Layton Hall and train. A soldier in the 1st Virginia Cavalry, to whom the scatter the house in fragments to every county Joseph Edward Willard, the son of Joseph Clapp Willard Adams Troop were initially assigned, remembers seeing them in the South.”59 and Antonia Ford, acquired the 10-acre Watkins parcel [see for the first time: As Dunleith was occupied by at least three leading map pg. 14] in May 1890.67 The following year, he married “…we were all amazed at their bringing two figures of the time, Jefferson Davis, P.G.T. Beauregard and Belle Layton Wyatt of Middlesex County, Virginia. In 1893, wagon loads of trunks, and this after having left later Union General George McClellan, it would have been the couple constructed Layton Hall on this small parcel. In the most of their baggage behind in Richmond! a natural target for this type of activity. January 1899, Joseph Willard acquired the 10-acre Gunnell parcel [see map pg. 14].68 Following the death of Thomas They were the best mounted company I ever saw, The Love family paid a heavy price during the Civil War Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891) 20 R. Love in 1891, Sallie sold Dunleith to Joseph Edward even better than mine.” and its aftermath. All three of Thomas & Anne Love's sons Major General Confederate States Army Willard in March 1899.69 The acquisition of Dunleith, which The Adams Troop escorted President Davis up Chain served in the Confederate army. Their oldest son, Robert T. Unknown artist, c. 1860, courtesy The Library of Congress adjoined his earlier 10-acre purchase on the north and west, Bridge Road (Rt. 123) the four miles to Fairfax Court House. Love, was killed in action at Seven Pines on May 31, 1862. substantially increased Willard’s land holdings. All along the route curious citizens and soldiers alike came Middle son, James M. Love was wounded in action in he devised several audacious plans which included the out to gawk at the unexpected arrival of the Confederate Culpeper, Virginia on October 11, 1863 and had his arm In 1923, Willard sold Layton Hall to the Fairfax capture of Washington, D.C. Beauregard called for a small President. The entire way Davis was loudly cheered and amputated. Youngest son, Thomas R. Love, Jr. was captured Development Corporation, of which he was a director and diversionary force to remain in front of the enemy in applauded. At least one reporter was on hand to record the in Fauquier County, Virginia on December 21, 1864 and Thomas Buchanan Love, a grandson of Thomas R. Love, Northern Virginia while the main Confederate army would spectacle of a sitting President entering Fairfax Court House: confined as a prisoner of war in Ft. Warren, Massachusetts was President. Joseph E. Willard died the following year. cross the Potomac River at either Edward’s Ferry, in Loudoun County or by means of a pontoon bridge near until the end of the war.60 The Love home was completely His widow, Belle L.W. Willard, died in 1954. The following “The President rode quite erect on a white horse, Georgetown and quickly take the Federal capital before the destroyed. Finally, Anne R. Love died in December 1866.61 year, 1955, the Fairfax Development Corporation sold the a little in advance of the party. As they entered Union forces could react. Beauregard reasoned that the tract to Willard Development Corporation. In the late 1950’s the town, rest of the way by the side of Gen. Dunleith was re-built in 1866-67 as a much less Union army was still in a state of disarray following Manassas University Drive was extended north into the Layton Hall Beauregard whom he seemed to [be] all the time impressive frame dwelling.62,63 and Washington had yet to be fortified. He presented this tract. The extension paralleled the old driveway to Dunleith in earnest conversation, except when he turned plan to his superior, Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. While many On November 30, 1869, Thomas R. Love married Sallie which lay just to the east. to recognize a civility from the army or citizens Brown Tyler, daughter of Henry B. & Elizabeth Tyler. As a Confederate officers, including Johnston, felt that a brief From this point, the original Layton Hall, formerly and even then he appeared to be thinking deep possible measure of his feelings for Sallie, he deeded offensive might quickly end the war, Johnston was reluctant Dunleith, estate was subdivided into smaller tracts to form in his own mind of something else. He was Dunleith and 100 acres to her on November 24th, a week to go on the offensive without the necessary men and the following: The Joseph Willard Health Center (1954), dressed, as usual in plain citizens dress of before their marriage, presumably as a wedding gift. The equipment to do so. Layton Hall subdivision (1956), Fairfax Library (1956), Confederate colors, and appeared quite well, deed of conveyance is very interesting: Fairfax Post Office (1957), Belle Willard School (1957), To address both issues General Johnston wrote to though thin from the loss of flesh during his recent illness. After a hearty supper he received “Whereas a marriage is intended to be had and Layton Hall Apartments (1961), 7-Eleven (1964), Old Confederate Secretary of War Judah Benjamin on th the calls of all the principal officers of the army, solemnized between the said Thomas R. Love and Fairfax Mews (1968), Courthouse Plaza Shopping Center September 26 and requested a conference with the and later in the evening was honored with a Sallie B. Tyler, and the said Thomas R. Love is & Democrary Office Park (1977), University Assoc. Bldg. Secretary of War, or Confederate President Jefferson Davis serenade by the handsome band of the First desirous of securing to the said Sallie B. Tyler (1977), Tricban Bldg. (1979), RV Dealers Assoc. Bldg. or his emissary to discuss the war situation and the available Virginia regiment.21 The first piece was, of course, the following property as her separate estate…the (1978), Real Title Building (1979), The Foster Building options. Jefferson Davis agreed and left Richmond, Virginia th ‘Hail to the Chief’, the last the inevitable ‘Dixie’, tract of land upon which the said Thomas R. Love (1986). at 6:00 am on September 30 . Accompanied by Col. John 18 after which the President withdrew to more now resides near Fairfax Court House S. Preston and other aides, he travelled by a special train 12 5 Continued next page Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011

private counsel with the generals st commanding.”22 Head Quarters, 1 Brigade 1st Army Corps, Army of Potomac Upon arriving in Fairfax President Davis was asked to Camp Gregg, Augst. 2, 1861 make a speech. Normally a gifted orator the President simply I certify that the entrenchment causing the said to those assembled: damage to Mr. Love’s property were made by “Soldiers: Generals Beauregard and Johnston the troops of the Confederate States under my are here, the orators of the day. They speak from personal direction, and in accordance with the mouths of cannon, of muskets and rifles; and Dunleith was also damaged by Confederate troops during directions from Brigadier Genl. G.T. Beauregard when they speak, the country listens. I will keep their occupation of Fairfax C.H. in 1861. & Brig. Gen. M.L. Bonam, and I have every silent.”23 reason to believe that the assessed damages “Mr. Smith,52 of Virginia presented the memorial are just and proper. Due to a bureaucratic mix-up no quarters had been of Thomas R. Love of Fairfax County, in relation W. H. Stevens arranged for President Davis at Fairfax Court House. Davis to damages done him by Confederate troops, Capt. Engineers which was referred to the Committee on Claims, explained this in a letter to his wife: A copy from the original in my possession without being read.”53 “Fairfax C.H., October 2, 1861 Thos. R. Love 4 March 1862"54 My Dear Wife, “State of Virginia Supplying both Union and Confederate troops proved Fairfax County, etc. I am quite well though yesterday I rode many to be challenging throughout the war. At a loss for basic This day personally appeared before me a Justice miles visiting the encampments. To-day if the supplies such as food, shelter and firewood, soldiers often of the Peace for the County and State aforesaid weather permits I shall resume my labors and to- turned to civilian property to meet their basic needs. In Joshua C. Gunnell, Newman Burke & Albert T. morrow hope to return. Hourly I think of you & addition, outright theft and vandalism were also common Wilcoxen, all of full age, who made oath, that the children and seem to hear my baby occurrences. While some residents of Fairfax, such as Dr. they will to the best of their skill & judgment complaining as he did the evening before I left Frederick & Hannah Baker of Coombe Cottage, remained assess the damages done to the property of you. Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard (1818-1893) to protect their property, much of the population had fled Thomas R. Love near Fairfax Court House, by Major General Confederate States Army leaving no one to object to the wholesale destruction of There was a misunderstanding as to the selection Unknown artist, c. 1861 courtesy The National Archives the erection of earth works or entrenchments, homes and property. It is believed that the family of Thomas of a house for me, but Genl. Beauregard met me near his dwelling house, the destruction of fences R. Love also remained in Fairfax. However, as a prominent and took me to his Qrs. where I remain. The escort consisted of several army officers, and the loss of crops occasioned thereby, the said and of the Adam’s Troops, of Natchez, Miss., citizen and secessionist leader, Thomas R. Love was The condition of things here is not as good as I works having been erected under the direction Captain Martin. In the advance was the arrested in Fairfax several times by Union troops. The first expected, and the position has nothing except of Brigadier Genl. Bonam [Bonham] of the President, dressed in deep-gray citizen’s clothes, arrest came in August 1862 for refusing to take an oath of its comfort to recommend it. Kiss the children for Confederate Army. In witness whereof I have 55,56 and a beaver hat. Beside him, also in citizen’s allegiance. He was arrested again in March 1863 after me, give my love to all the family and take to hereunto set my hand this first day of August clothes, rode Brig. Gen. Smith.25 Immediately the capture of Gen. Stoughton by Col. J.S. Mosby. Both yourself Benjamin’s portion. 1861. following were Generals Johnston and times he spent several weeks in Old Capitol Prison in A. Broadwater, J.P. 57 Affectionately as ever your Husband. Beauregard, and after them came Col. John S. Washington, D.C. These absences may have left the 24 Love home vulnerable to Union soldiers. Jeffn. Davis” Preston, Col. Thomas Preston,26 Col. Davis, Col. We do hereby certify that having been first duly Randal,27 Prince Polignac,28 Capt. Ferguson,29 Early the next morning, October 1st, President Davis sworn for that purpose, we have gone upon the Presumably, Union soldiers dismantled or destroyed of Gen. Beauregard’s staff, Capt. Peyton, Lt. rode extensively around Fairfax visiting the encampments farm of Thomas R. Love near Fairfax Court the handsome brick home sometime in 1863. Although both Lane,30 son of Jo. Lane, of Oregon, Lt. Twiggs, of as many troops as time would permit. House and have assessed his damages for the sides had standing orders not to molest civilian property, and ‘“Your Own.”’ Following was the Adam’s erection of entrenchments near his dwelling these orders were often ignored. It is possible that Dunleith “This morning at an early hour the President rode Troop, dressed in a neat grey uniform, and house, the destruction of fences, and the loss was destroyed because Thomas R. Love was a prominent around the town of Fairfax and its vicinity, and presenting a truly imposing appearance.”31 crops occasioned thereby, as set forth in the above secessionist in Fairfax. Similarly, the Grigsby House, aka made a personal reconnaissance towards the Davis expressed and an interest in seeing the Potomac affidavit at the sum of nine hundred & eleven Four Chimneys, in Centreville was destroyed during the outposts. The day was remarkably beautiful — but was told this was impossible as the Confederate Army dollars ($911). In witness whereof we have war and may have also been a vengeance target because cool, pleasant, and hazy – one of those delightful 58 had withdrawn from Mason and Munson Hill’s near hereunto set our hands this first day of August of the family association with slave trading. On the other Indian-summer days that we so much admire. The Alexandria. 1861. hand, both Union and Confederate soldiers commonly used air was warm, and the sky a deep leaden color, J.C. Gunnell scavenged bricks and other local building materials to while here and there were patches of white Later that evening, October 1st, President Davis dined Newman Burke construct their primitive huts. clouds, which seemed pendant from it like lichens with General Johnston at his HQ, Coombe Cottage, a A.T. Wilcoxen from the old cypress of our Southern swamps. Female Academy and the home of Dr. Frederick and Hannah

6 11 Continued on page 8 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011

32 or six miles away.’ ‘Why don’t you wait until could only occur with the aid of arms from abroad. Those Baker. Afterwards, Davis met for two hours with generals gentleman in plain clothes, riding with ease and morning – the Yankees won’t be here for three arms were expected to arrive by the spring of 1862. In the Johnston, Beauregard and Smith at Beauregard’s HQ, at grace a white horse, his eye fixed in military days to come?’ ‘Well, sir, I’m afraid to trust them, interim he alleges that a less risky plan was agreed on. A Dunleith, the home of Thomas R. Love. No minutes of this curiosity on the long bristling line before him and and I would rather know that my family are safe, limited invasion of southern Maryland could perhaps defeat meeting were recorded. However, four months later on his hand raised to his hat at every salutation, if we do have to travel on foot all night.’ I tried the Federal army there. This plan carried less risk because January 31, 1862 at Centreville, Virginia, Gen. Smith you will see the President as he appeared. That to induce the man to go home again, by giving a smaller force could cross and re-cross the Potomac more prepared a written statement recounting the events of their stern looking man, riding just behind the him every assurance possible that he would not easily by utilizing steamboats then docked near Aquia Creek. two hour Council of War. This document was also signed President…is Gen. Johnston. Just behind him is be molested, even if he remained – for he was by Johnston and Beauregard. Smith, Johnston and Beauregard…. That large, fine looking In the end, Gen. G.W. Smith’s concern of a “gradual Beauregard allege that all, including Davis, agreed the best gentleman by the side of Beauregard, in civilian’s too poor to steal from – but no consideration 45 dying out and deterioration of the army” proved way to guarantee the long term success of the Confederacy garb, is Gen. Gustavus W. Smith, the new General. would induce him to retrace his steps, and I left prophetic. him trudging on with a half dozen little ones was to concentrate all the available forces and “attack the …Following the Generals are their respective 33 and a feeble wife, realizing for the first time in Dunleith enemy in their own country.” In the statement Smith staffs, composed of officers who represent the this struggle, the terrible devastating effect of warned, “Success here at this time saves everything, wealth, education and best blood of the South. Thomas Ronse Love (1806–1891) was the oldest son 34 war.”42 defeat here loses all.” The generals suggested a massive From our own State I see Col. Preston…. of John Stephen Love ( ? –1828) and Mary Vermillion invasion of Maryland near the Federal capital. They felt Following this brilliant cortege are the Adams 46 During the exodus several barns and outbuildings at (1789–1864). He was a prominent Fairfax attorney and a that it would be better to risk losing everything on the far Troop of Mississippi, who are acting as the body Fairfax Court House were burnt either by accident or respected former member of the Virginia General Assembly. side of the Potomac than to witness a “gradual dying out guard of the President during his stay. And a intentionally to prevent their use by the enemy.43,44 A small He married Anne R. Moss, daughter of Thomas & Jane and deterioration of this army.”35 Interestingly, Jefferson crowd of miscellaneous horsemen, as the penny- picket force comprised of a portion of Bonham’s South Moss and a granddaughter of Richard Ratcliffe, on March Davis was not made aware of the existence of this document Carolina brigade remained behind. 1, 1836. Thomas Love was a slave owner, who, not until 19 years after the war. surprisingly, voted for the Secession in May 1861. Aftermath Reviewing the Troops The home, Dunleith, was constructed by Fairfax nd Although the Confederate army did eventually invade attorney George Washington Hunter, Jr.47 in 1842-43.48 On October 2 it rained and Davis was unable to the North, twice, they would never again have the Thomas & Anne Love acquired the property in December continue his visits of Confederate army encampments. rd opportunity of a lightly defended Federal capital. 1856.49 Love family tradition holds that it was destroyed by However, at noon the next day, October 3 , Davis formally In 1880, when Davis was evidently first made aware of Union troops sometime in 1863.50 This is supported by reviewed the Confederate brigades of Cocke, Jones, the existence of the 1862 statement of Smith, Johnston and surviving Fairfax County Land Tax records which indicate Longstreet and Walker, the Washington Artillery of New Beauregard, he defended his position by stating that as a substantial building on the site in 1861 valued at $2,000. Orleans, Walton’s Battery, and Col. Stuart’s unattached President he could not strip other areas of the Confederacy Due to the war, there were no recorded land assessments cavalry. There were other units around Fairfax Court House for a mass invasion of Maryland, because it would leave in Fairfax Co. for 1862 and 1863. However, the entry for at the time, but they were engaged in other duties. those areas, particularly western Virginia, open to Federal Thomas R. Love in 1865 indicates a value of zero ($-0-) for Still, an estimated 15,000 Confederate troops formed a invasion. He claimed that all conferees fully understood this buildings and a notation in the 1866 land book, “buildings two-and-a-half-mile-long parade line on the north side of 51 point and that an invasion of Maryland on a grand scale destroyed”, confirms the tradition. the Little River Turnpike, (Main Street). The line extended from the Courthouse all the way up to the village of Germantown (the intersection of Rt. 50 and Jermantown Road).36 Hundreds of civilian and military spectators crowded the road to witness the Review. One South Carolina soldier wonderfully described the event in a letter to his hometown newspaper: “Men were busy brushing clothes, burnishing CVS / Courthouse Plaza muskets, donning clean shirts and collars, and Shopping Center arranging themselves generally in gala trim. Officers, likewise, prepared to look their best, while the bands rehearsed…. As the hour of twelve approached, the several brigades took up their positions at the point indicated, and shortly afterwards the President Gustavus Woodson Smith (1822-1896) arrived. I am not very good at describing scenes, Major General Confederate States Army Approximate location of Dunleith, Love residence. Map of portions Dunleith, Love residence. Fairfax Court House 1861. Adapted but if you will imagine a dignified looking Unknown artist, c. 1862/3, courtesy The Library of Congress from the G.M. Hopkins' Atlas of Fifteen Miles Around Washington, of the City of Fairfax 2011. D.C. 1878. 10 7 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011

walked around calmly with their hands in their ‘gone the rounds’, making music in the ears of pockets and avowing their intention to remain the resident ladies.37 at home and trust Yankee honor. Among the latter The Review lasted for three-and-a-half hours. President class is the sister of the martyr JACKSON.41 Davis departed immediately afterwards for Richmond. This At the Postoffice the undelivered letters were event is believed to have been the largest Confederate troop going into bags in a stream, the Postmaster not review of the war. having the slightest idea when or where he should In the meantime, Gen. McClellan was alerted to Davis’ resume his accustomed place. At the several visit by the capture of a Confederate cavalryman, Lt. headquarters of the Quartermasters, the same Andrew J. Sigler, of the 1st Virginia Cavalry, on October life was visible. Wagons were drawn up in front 4th. 38 Sigler was captured hiding in a tree while on picket of hay ricks, fodder stacks, corn bins and duty near Fairfax Court House. The incident, dubbed, A accumulated stores, whiles teamsters and details Confederate Treed, appeared in Frank Leslie’s Illustrated of men hastily piled in the various valuables Weekly Newspaper on October 26, 1861. Not to be belonging to their respective regiments. What outdone, General McClellan held his own Review of the could not be taken was destroyed and from nine Union army troops in Washington, October 8, 1861 on the Approximate locatation of Dunleith, 10390 Willard Way, Fairfax, VA, until three o’clock, the dancing fires of a hundred grounds of the United States Capitol.39 now the site of a CVS/Pharmacy. encampments fed by old tents, useless baggage Photo credit: Page Johnson, November 2011 and wornout clothing, unworthy of Among the Confederate troops present for the Review order was passed to the army to get ready to march by 1:00 transportation, illuminated the night and sent up at Fairfax Court House was the regiment of Col. Capture of Lt. Andrew J. Sigler, Co K, 1st Va. Cav., Oct. 4, 1861. am. Under cover of darkness, the army packed up and pulled clods of pale white smoke that hung like a veil Montgomery D. Corse, of Alexandria. The Fairfax Rifles, Source: Frank Leslie's Illustrated Weekly Newspaper, October 26, 1861 out of Fairfax and marched all night to Manassas. A soldier over the scene. a company within this regiment, was comprised of men from recalled the chaotic scene: liners say when tired of cataloging, ‘too Fairfax County. They must have been particularly proud to By nine o’clock the immense train of wagons, numerous to mention.’ pass in review of President Davis in their hometown. “Houses were turned topsy turvy. Lights flashed private and public, commenced to move, and However, this was not the first Review in which the Fairfax from every window. Wardrobes were emptied in from that hour until the present moment – nearly Drums beating, flags dipping, bands playing, Rifles participated. At the end of July, the Confederate army a tuce [?]; trunks, carpet bags and boxes grew noon – they have dragged their slow lengths horses prancing, arms presented, soldiers stiff was reviewed by visiting dignitary Prince Jerome Napoleon obese with their hastily gathered contents; along every raod leading from Fairfax Court as statues, a throng of ladies and gentlemen on of France at Centreville.40 children were got out of bed and dressed the House. No such scene has ever been witnessed the opposite side of the road in carriages, on wives of officers flew through the streets to on this Continent, and imagination only can foot and on horseback, mingling with the As a result of the Council of War at Fairfax Court House, secure transportation, which the haste of the picture the extraordinary spectacle of an almost uniforms of officers and men who are off duty – Gen. Johnston was compelled to withdraw his army to movement prevented their husbands from doing; endless winding procession consisting of private all these are details which you will fill in the Centreville and Manassas and adopt a defensive posture. the most exorbitant sums were paid for broken carriages, transportation wagons, ambulances, quantam sufficit, to suit your individuals idea At approximately 7:00 pm on evening of October 15th the down horses and wagons, and when obtained, noisy driver, braying mules, stalled teams, ladies of the scene. humanity and furniture were piled together in a on horseback, droves of cattle sheep and pigs, …A number of batteries were present. Among style as miscellaneous as it was amusing; old families on foot, children without shoes and which I may designate the Washington Artillery ladies, pyramids of bed clothing, squalling stockings, tender young girls, mothers with babes of New Orleans, the handsomest, best equipped children, squealing pigs, bags of provender, in their arms, each carrying bundles of goods and best drilled corps in Virginia, if not in the baskets of crockery, servants and their babies, with which to make themselves comfortable, and country. Several fine bands were in attendance pictures family relics – all were frequently the ten thousand other incidents of a midnight with their respective regiments, and for the first Macadamized into one wagon, presenting to the retreat. time I had an opportunity of knowing something eye as the novel cargos filed slowly by in the During my perambulations from point to point of the first musical material which we possess. bright moonlight, a conglomerated lump of in the night, I encountered one of the poor personal property, to which a May day morning On termination of the Review, the military paid families referred to – for this is no fancy sketch is not a circumstance. the President the honor of a marching salute – and riding up to the father, who was bent nearly and then filed off to their encampments. The time In the store, with one or two exception, the double under the weight of a sack full of cooking consumed in the ceremony was not far from three proprietors were packing up and storing their utensils, I said to him: ‘Where are you going?’ hours…. goods in all sorts of vehicles; some were digging ‘God only knows, sir, but anywhere rather than holes in their yards and burying what they could fall into the hands of the Yankees.’ ‘But where This evening, the various headquarters in the Another view of Dunleith, the home of Thomas R. Love at Fairfax Court not carry, others were hiding their valuables in do you expect to stop to-night?’ ‘In the woods, vicinity of Fairfax have been serenaded, while House, built c. 1842. HQ of Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard & Gen. G.B. McClellan. out of the way recesses – while others again sir, unless we can reach Centreville, which is four amateurs from different regiments have likewise Photograph attributed to Timothy H. O'Sullivan 1863, courtesy Library of Congress

8 9 Continued on page 10 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011 Volume 8, Issue 2 The Fair Facs Gazette Fall 2011